Dental Restoration: Definition, Types, and What to Expect
We all have goals, and one is having a beautiful and healthy smile. Having preventative dental care for yourself is a cost-effective way to keep your smile vibrant. If you have missing or damaged teeth, you may need a dental restoration to enhance your aesthetic appearance. Some of the various restorative dentistry procedures in Flower Mound offered by dentists at Smile Craft Dental include implants, fillings, dentures, crowns, and bridges. In case you are experiencing any problems with your teeth, visit a dentist near you for a check-up and treatment services.
Definition of Dental Restorations
These are various treatment procedures used to replace missing teeth or repair damaged teeth. They help restore the function and wholeness of a missing tooth.
What Happens Before a Dental Restoration?
Prior to any dental restoration, an assessment is first done to determine the procedure or type of restoration that you will be having. Before any restoration, make sure your teeth are clean for the treatment. This can be done by brushing and flossing thoroughly.
During a routine dental check-up, your dentist will do an oral examination then schedule an appointment for treatment if any issue is detected.
Types of Dental Restorations
Some of the restorative dentistry procedures available at our dental clinic in Flower Mound, TX, include:
Fillings
These are one of the most common types of dental restoration. Your dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill up the cavity with the right material. The materials may include gold, silver amalgam, and composite resin fillings.
You can get tooth fillings at our dentist’s office in Flower Mound.
Crowns
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap. It covers a damaged tooth, completely protecting it from further damage. It is placed over a decayed tooth to restore its size, shape, and strength while improving its appearance. It also holds a bridge in place and covers a dental implant. The most popular used material of a crown is the tooth-colored one as it offers a natural look similar to natural teeth.
Implants
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. Implants are small anchoring posts usually made from titanium metal and are placed at the root of a missing tooth. Although the process of getting implants will take a long time, they are totally worth it since they have a long lifespan. After the installation procedure, your dentist will cover the implant with a tooth-colored crown.
Dentures
These are removable appliances made to replace missing teeth. The surrounding oral tissues and remaining teeth support dentures. Dentures will restore your beautiful smile and also make you feel comfortable while chewing.
There are two types of dentures, complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing. Partial dentures are used when natural teeth remain and are retained by connectors attached to the natural teeth. Dentures are made of acrylic resin, porcelain, or metal. If you need a denture, visit a certified dentist near you. Your dentist will create one for you depending on your needs.
Bridges
A bridge is a false tooth placed on either side of the gap supported by the abutment teeth. The abutment teeth are natural teeth that have dental crowns that hold the bridge in place. Bridges are mainly made from porcelain to blend with your natural teeth. They can also be made from gold or alloys. Bridges help in keeping your mouth healthy and restores your normal bite.
What Should I Expect After the Procedure?
After most dental restoration procedures, you might be recommended to change your eating and drinking habits for the next 24 hours. Your dentist will advise you to avoid too hard, too cold, or too hot foods.
You will experience some sensitivity to hot or cold foods/drinks on the treated tooth. The gum around the tooth that was treated might also be sensitive. Hence it is recommended that you take pain relievers that will help ease your pain. You must also continue brushing and flossing your teeth even after the procedure to promote good dental health.